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Col. Jameson, Frankie, and Tony going to fish.
It was now Friday; but immediately after the Colonel left, the young boy insisted that it would be safer to pack his clothes and have everything in readiness for a start. He ran to the attic to bring a small valise, and asked his father's permission to take it.
An hour later, his mother entered his chamber and found the floor covered with caps, boots, shoes, books, balls, etc., etc.
"Why, what is this, Frankie?" she asked.
"I can't get all my things in, ma," said the boy, in a desponding tone.
"You will only want one change, my dear, besides your bathing clothes, and that, with some clean collars, a comb and brush, and plenty of dry socks, will be all that you will need."
"Would you carry Tony's new suit, ma? I wish I could; she does look so funny in it."
"I think there'll be room in the valise."
"How kind you are, ma!" Frankie jumped up and gave his mother a warm kiss.
Monday morning came at last; and the little fellow, determined to be in season, had privately engaged cook to wake him as soon as it was light. To his mother's great surprise, he walked into her chamber, just as the clock was striking five, all dressed for his journey.
It was still two hours before the train would leave the city; and Mrs. Colvin tried to persuade him to return to bed; but his father laughed and said,—
"Let him stay up if he wishes."
At eight o'clock, he met Colonel Jameson and started off in high glee. At the end of a week, he walked into the sitting-room with Tony at his heels. His face was as brown as a nut; but he exclaimed, as he kissed his mother,—"I've been a good boy, ma; Colonel Jameson told me to tell you so."